Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition seeking a permanent injunction to restrain authorities from constructing a staircase of Metro Railway Station near the main gate of a shopping complex here.

The plea had also prayed for a direction to the respondents, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd, to relocate the proposed staircase to some other place at a safe distance from the Sahar Plaza Complex in suburban Andheri.

The plea was dismissed recently by a Division Bench, which observed the legal position in such matters is that the Court would not sit in appeal over the decisions of authorities which are entrusted with the execution of a public project of considerable importance to the residents of Mumbai.

The respondents submitted that the construction of the station building, including four staircases, was nearing completion. It was argued that locating the staircase at the present site was the only option available and had been finalised after taking into consideration the relevant factors for commuter convenience and public safety.

The petitioners, Sahar Developers, contended that one of the four staircases to be constructed for the metro will be landing right near the entry gate and very close to the main gate of the complex that is constructed by them (petitioners).

Counsel for the petitioners argued the respondents have taken the decision to construct the staircase in question without considering the difficulties and inconveniences to which visitors of the shopping complex will be exposed to.

Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Nitin Jamdar, however, refused to grant any relief, saying in matters of public importance it would not interfere with the decisions taken by the authorities.

The metro line between Versova and Ghatkopar is still being constructed.